in the larger scheme of things? Probably not but I asked because I was curious why this particular thought the two were different. I wasn't aware I needed to censor my curiosity.

am I stepping on someone's toes by just asking?

No. You are not stepping on anyone's toes by asking and you don't need to censor your curiosity. So ask away. If you want to continue the discussion on this topic you are totally within your right to do so.

That said, I personally feel that this argument has sort of exhausted itself as both sides have made their case of why Thaao's comments were or were not necessary and there is little likelihood of either side persuading the other to share their opinion at this point. But that is just my opinion.